Andalusia

Andalusia

Andalusia

Andalusia, for many people, epitomizes Spain. Sunkissed and varied, passionate, colourful and vibrant, just like the people of Andalusia. It is not merely a land of bullfights, flamenco and sherry, white-washed villages, tapas and 300 sunny days per year. It also harbours a wealth of architectural heritage. Think of Seville, Córdoba and Granada, the Andalusian “Golden Triangle“, cities marked by almost 800 years of Moorish rule, naming Al-Andalus (the land of Vandals).

The rich gastronomy, along with kilometres of sandy coasts and natural parks, will surely be the ideal complement for your Andalusia tour.

What to see in Andalusia?

Alhambra, Granada

The city of Granada is an absolute wonder. Its viewpoints, the path Carrera del Darro, the Albayzín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods are some of the city’s most charming attractions. But if something has made Granada famous, it is world-renowned Alhambra, one of the most visited places in the world and an essential stop of all Andalusia tours. This impressive Arab Palace-Fortress was built to demonstrate the power of the Nasrid dynasty in its time. After the expulsion of the Jews, it became one of the residences of the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, where Columbus received royal endorsement for his expeditions. In addition, the Alhambra is one of the major Islamic monuments in Spain and a must-see while visiting Andalusia.

Cordoba Mosque

This impressive building, which houses more than 1,300 columns in its prayer room, was built over the remains of an old Visigoth basilica. At the beginning of the 13th century, with the city’s reconquest, the mosque became a Christian cathedral and altars and chapels were added. The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba results from a broad fusion of styles, so typical for most Andalusian monuments.

Frigiliana

Frigiliana is one of Andalusia’s most beautiful villages. You will fall in love with its old Arab neighbourhood of steep slopes of white-washed houses painted in pristine white, contrasting with the green and blue doors and windows. Enjoy strolling around the charming streets, but don’t miss out on the beautiful corners like Callejón El Garral, Cuesta del Apero, Calle Real, Torreón or Palacio de Los Condes de Frigiliana.

Cabo de Gata

The Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is a protected space that conserves diverse ecosystems. It preserves one of Andalusia’s richest floras and faunas. Among its arid and volcanic landscapes, you will find charming towns such as Níjar, Las Negras, Rodalquilar and La Isleta del Moro. In addition, more than 60 kilometres of coastline houses cliffs, rich sea beds, and beaches where you can take a refreshing dip. Some of the recommended spots are Cala San Pedro, Cala de Enmedio, Playa de Mónsul, Playa de Los Muertos and Playa de Los Genoveses, among many others.

Ronda

Another beautiful town on your Andalusia tour is Ronda, with its fantastic location on a plateau. Its best-known and most spectacular place is the New Bridge that joins the two parts of the municipality, divided by the river Guadalevín. In addition to the views from its different viewpoints, it is worth visiting places such as the Plaza del Socorro, the bullring, el Palacio Mondragón, la Casa del Rey Moro, the Arab baths, la Puerta de Almocábar and the Arab walls.

When to visit Andalusia?

In the spring, when nature wakes up and sunny days are more and more frequent. This time of year is undoubtedly one of the best to join one of the Andalusia tours, especially if you want to discover the interior. In the summer, Andalusia welcomes most tourists, especially coastal towns. The temperatures are high, although in the coastal area are usually milder than in the interior provinces, thanks to the strong winds that blow almost continuously.

What to do in Andalusia?

The southernmost part of Spain might attract a myriad of visitors, but it still gives you an authentic travel experience. For example, enjoy in hidden spots in a quaint small ‘pueblo Blanco. Or visit a local bar on a quiet street in Granada where a glass of wine still comes with free tapas. On your Andalusia tour, don’t forget to:

Enjoy a night of flamenco

Be enchanted by the pure emotion and captivating choreography of a traditional flamenco show in one of the famous tablaos. Enjoy electrifying performances that showcase the talent and passion of this Spanish dance, declared a world heritage by UNESCO.

Make a route through the white villages of Cádiz

The white villages are dotting the beautiful landscapes of Serranías de Ronda, Sierra de Grazalema, Sierra de Cádiz and Los Alcornocales.

Its name comes from the white facades of its houses painted with a mixture of lime, water and sand to prevent the damage caused by the sun and refresh the interior during the hot summers. In addition to their characteristic colour, it will make you fall in love with their labyrinthine streets and their corners full of charm with pots of brightly coloured flowers that contrast with the white walls.

Among the most beautiful villages are Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara de la Sierra, Ojén, Vejer de la Frontera, Grazalema, Ubrique, Olvera and the surprising Setenil de las Bodegas.

Visit the Doñana National Park

This national park between two continents, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, is a great natural wonder of Andalusia. The extensive protected natural area has valuable ecosystems and unique biodiversity. It stands out for the large number of waterfowls concentrated in its marshes. It is the passage, rest, and breeding place for thousands of birds from Africa and Europe.

Walk the hiking trail Caminito del Rey

Andalusia boasts 800 km of sunny coastline, Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz. However, let’s suppose you are not a beach person. In that case, its interior has an impressive range of mountains, suitable for hiking. One of the best hiking trails to do in Andalusia is the Caminito del Rey, a path l that runs through the gorge of the river Gaitanes in the province of Malaga. This linear route of almost 8 kilometres reaches heights of up to 300 meters. It offers spectacular views of the canyon of the river Guadalhorce

Have fun in the streets of Triana

Seville is famous for its wild history, vibrant lifestyle, impressive cultural heritage, fiestas, relaxed life pace, and delicious, simple, straight-to-point cuisine. However, if there is a must-see place in Seville, that is Triana, the corner that gives the city its hallmarks. In addition, flamenco, which runs through the veins of Andalusians, is especially felt in the streets of this particular neighbourhood.

Andalusian food and drinks

Andalusian gastronomy is characterized by the massive use of products from the garden. How could it be otherwise in the region which is the garden of Europe! In addition to top-quality ingredients, such as olive oil (the best in the world, nothing more, nothing less), ham and, obviously, a lot of fish (with so much coast, it would be impossible otherwise). Tapas are almost a religion here; their small size will enable you to taste many different flavours in just one meal. Some of the tastiest Spanish delicacies actually come from Andalusia. All the food is seasoned with olive oil as the province is the most significant producer of olives and olive oil in Europe.

Some typical Andalusian dishes are:

Gazpacho

It is the Andalusian dish par excellence that you can find on the menu of almost any restaurant, not only in Andalusia but throughout Spain. It is as popular as it is simple: this cold soup is prepared with tomato, green pepper, cucumber, garlic, and olive oil. You can also add bread to the recipe to give it texture, and it is that in each home, it is prepared in a slightly different way.

Bull tail

Another of the traditional recipes from the province of Cordoba is the oxtail stew. Its origin is in the popular stews celebrated after bullfights, using the meat of sacrificed animals. It is a very widespread dish prepared with bull and ox or veal.

Fried fish, a classic to eat in Andalusia

And how can we forget the Andalusian fried fish? It is one of the most consumed and loved portions on tables throughout Andalusia, from Almería to Huelva. It doesn’t have much of a secret: small fish (anchovy, sardines or whitebait) battered and fried.

The bites always go better with a good push of wine or beer. The most typical drinks in Andalusia are Sherry wines, fortified wines such as Málaga VirgenPilycrim and Rebujito (these last two are very used at the fairs). Or you go with something softer like tinto de verano (wine mixed with soft drinks) or beer (Cruzcampo or Alhambra).

Contact us if an Andalusia tour with gastronomic experiences is the thing you are looking for!

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Andalusia tours

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Price: from 2140 €
Capacity: 24 guests max
Language: English only

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Language: English only